In 1692, Spier was one of the very first farms to be established in Stellenbosch. Today, as you wander around our farm, you'll find the old alongside the new: a beautifully restored Manor House, an array of 21 Cape Dutch gables - more than any other farm in the country - and the oldest dated wine cellar in South Africa.

We honour every part of our past, embracing the full story of our ancestors, even the parts that challenge us. Our aim is not just to grow our vines, but to nurture a future as diverse and vibrant as South Africa itself.

7000 years ago

7000 years ago

Long before Spier was a name, the area was home to the hunter-gatherer San people. Their history is a vital part of our land’s story.

500AD - 1690

500AD - 1690

The Cochoqua people of the pastoral khoikhoi nations graze their livestock in the region, and build their homesteads (kraals) along the rivers.

1652

1652

The Cape of Good Hope was founded by Dutch navigator Jan van Riebeeck, leading to the first vines being planted in the Cape.

1658

1658

The arrival of the first slaves in the Cape is a solemn chapter in our history. We acknowledge this painful past and are committed to learning and growing from it.

1659

1659

Governor and Dutch settler Jan Van Riebeeck crafts the first Cape Wine in Wynberg. This moment marks the beginning of our country's journey into winemaking, a journey we're proud to be a part of.

1679

1679

Governor Simon van der Stel founded Stellenbosch, giving it his name.

1682

1682

Stellenbosch became known for its majestic oaks, planted on the advice of Simon van der Stel. Many of these ancient oaks still grow on Spier today, including the grand oak at the heart of our werf. They stand alongside other indigenous species like the Cape Willow, Wild Peach, and Breede River Yellowwood, as well as various reeds and sedges. These trees and plants are living links to the farm’s early colonial history.

1683

1683

Arnoud Jansz settles on the Spier Farm.

1692

1692

Governor Simon van der Stel signs the first Spier Title Deed when granting the property to Arnoud Jansz.

1754

1754

Over 30 000 vines are grown on Spier, one of the best producers of quality wine in the region.

1767

1767

Albertus Myburgh, owner at the time, builds his Wine Cellar, with the holbol gable dating to 1767.

1773

1773

Shed or Cow House centre gable is built.

1778

1778

Jonkershuis Workshop centre gable is built.

1812

1812

Old Kitchen centre gable is built

1817

1817

Jonkershuis centre gable is built.

1822

1822

Manor House centre gable is added.

1825

1825

The Slave Bell, built by Andries Christoffel Van der Byl near the Eerste River, was a product of a time when the estate relied heavily on the labour of a great number of slaves to harvest grapes from its 80,000 vines. Today, this bell stands on our farm not just as a historical artefact, but as a poignant reminder of a painful past. Its presence symbolises our ongoing commitment to acknowledging and addressing the injustices of history as we strive towards a future of equality and respect.

1834

1834

Slavery is abolished but slaves must serve a four–year apprenticeship period before they are freed. We recognize this period as a significant step in our collective journey towards freedom and equality.

1965

1965

Neil Joubert acquires Spier

1971

1971

We bottle our first wine under the Spier label.

1971

1971

The Stellenbosch Wine Route is established by Neil Joubert from Spier, Frans Malan from Simonsig and Spatz Sperling from Delheim.

1995

1995

A new wine cellar is built with a capacity to produce 50 000 cases of wine per year.

2000

2000

The Spier Hotel opens.

2008

2008

Spier releases its flagship wine, Frans K Smit, in a tribute to the man who built Spier's reputation for great winemaking.

2008

2008

The Spier Manor House undergoes extensive restoration.

2012

2012

We introduced the Gables audio walk and unveiled 'The Dying Slave', a 42,6sqm outdoor mosaic sculpture conceived by Marco Cianfanelli and created by Spier Architectural Art. Both are ways we keep the past alive through art.

2014

2014

Spier wins the BASA Chairman’s Premier award in recognition of its "sustained and extraordinary commitment to the arts" in South Africa.

2015

2015

Following a three-year conversion process initiated in 2011, the Spier farm is organically certified in 2014 and harvests its first organic grapes in 2015 to produce the Farm House range.

2016

2016

Spier wins the Gold the African Responsible Tourism Awards in the category Best for Accommodation for Responsible Employment.

2017

2017

The Spier Mosaic Kraal, South Africa’s first permanent outdoor exhibition of mosaic, opens at Spier.

2017

2017

Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2015 wins the inaugural Veritas Vertex Award.

2018

2018

Spier launches Growing for Good, investing in initiatives that empower our communities to make a positive social and environmental change.

2018

2018

Spier wins the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2018 South African Producer of the Year.

2018

2018

Spier wins the Amorim Biodiversity Award at the Drinks Business Green Awards Ceremony.

2020

2020

Spier established the Elemental Garden, an exploratory garden inspired by the four elements.

2021

2021

Spier receives top honours with the Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Award for the Spier Creative Block 5 2018.

2021

2021

Spier wins Platter's by Diners Club South African Wine Guide Editor’s Award - Winery of the Year in recognition of our team's performance and track record, as well as our outstanding international representation of South African wine.

2022

2022

Spier wins the Ethical Award at the Drinks Business Green Awards Ceremony.

2022

2022

The beautifully restored Manor House opens to host small, intimate food and wine experiences.